Josh Cardosi Young Christian

It depends on why your imagination tends to lean towards immoral things. If it's triggered by things that you see, then try to avoid going where you might encounter your triggers. For example, if the problem is caused by seeing ads that have scantily clad/attractive women online, get an adblocker.
Paul tells us in Romans that when we set our sights on the flesh, we will act according to the flesh (Romans 8:5). If you read the second part of that verse, you'll find that when you live according to the Spirit, you will set your mind on the things of the Spirit. Simply put, get deep into your Bible, pray without ceasing, and get involved at your church.
I used to have a problem similar to yours, and I can honestly tell you that pursuing God is the answer. Another thing you might do, in addition to what I have said previously, is ask your church community to pray for you and to get an accountability partner (if applicable). I will keep you in my prayers. God bless.

October 12 2013 • 3 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Kelli Trujillo Supporter Minister, Mother, Grandmother, Teacher, Musician

There are lot of things you can do that can help you with this. Certainly, avoiding places and activities that can lead to exposure that can cause temptation is good advice, as well as getting prayer. However, the mind is designed to be active, and I believe that the key to keeping yourself from focusing on or drifting toward wrong thoughts is to train your mind to be actively focused on the things that please God. Philippians 4:8 is a much-quoted verse that addresses this:

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.

Training for anything takes time and deliberate effort, and retraining your mind to think differently will take effort and time, as well. There is a familiar saying that I believe is helpful here: Garbage in, garbage out. The more you fill your mind and heart with worship, prayer, scripture, reading devotionals and spiritual books, and other things that produce godly fruit, the more your mind will naturally desire to align itself with God's word and God's principles.

Here's one final scripture:

Romans 12:1-2 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

I hope this helps.

October 13 2013 • 4 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report